Stuart's Cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats in memory of Isabel
In 2022, Rotherham Hospice cared for Isabel Simpson who unfortunately passed away following a 4-year battle with cancer. Whilst this was an undoubtably tough time for all her loved ones, it was Isabel’s positivity, courage and bravery that sparked an idea for her husband, Stuart.
He decided, with the help of Isabel, that he would embark on an extraordinary fundraising challenge to support the Hospice after seeing the amazing compassionate care she received from the team. Deciding that Stuart’s love of cycling would be the centre of this, he along with two friends Matt and Daniel Grey landed on one of the toughest challenges they could – cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
They endured a gruelling 17-day journey, lasting over 1,000 miles and filled with steep hills, mechanical issues and the lovely British summertime of torrential rain. Regardless of the tough challenges they faced, Stuart and the team remained determined to complete the challenge and raise much needed funds for Rotherham Hospice.
Whilst it was a daily struggle and test of both physical and mental endurance for the riders, the journey was also marked by warmth and kindness from strangers. From a couple who donated to their fundraising page after hearing their story, to a café owner offering shelter and hot drinks, the sense of community kept them going.
For Stuart, this ride was not just about personal endurance. It was about giving back to the Hospice that treated Isabel like family, providing her with a comfortable, supportive environment during her stay.
“When she went into the Hospice, she felt like she was at home,” Stuart recalls. “You made it really comfortable for us, it was amazing.”
It was this positive experience at such a tough time that drove him to take on the challenge, to ensure that others in his community can benefit from the vital hospice care they need in the future.
Stuart’s fundraising page is currently sat at just over £5,500 with a goal to reach £6,000. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice depends on the support of people just like Stuart, doing extraordinary things to raise vital funds to ensure that others can receive the same compassionate care as Isabel did.
Although cycling the length of the UK doesn’t look to be on the cards again anytime soon, Stuart is committed to continuing his support for the Hospice in the future… and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
You can help Stuart
reach his goal by donating to his fundraising page here:
Your support will make a meaningful difference to patients and their families all throughout Rotherham who rely on hospice’s exceptional care.